dhansen

Merry Christmas from the Lobster Capital of the World. (The "tree" is a big pile of traps).

Found someone else that wanted to check out Mt Battie. Not as warm as the 14th but still not bad. Dec 18, 2006

Naw, well worth the effort! Looks super. Looks like you swapped levers too. Dennis.

After 6 inches of snow late last week I thought I was done for the year but it rained off and the temp was back up over 50 deg f this afternoon. Ended up atop Mt. Battie overlooking Camden, Maine and Penobscot Bay. Kinda hazy but still a nice view. With all the talk of new Guzzis I'm happy to say this one still has my heart.

Hmmmmmmm, wonder which knob you are refering to, the one on the lever, or the one in the mirror?

Ah, the miracle of alcohol....................

Wow, a great site. Looks like a good resource for all those hard to find items us bodgers are always looking for.

Hey Dave. Is Manzanita Ranch up in Julian still in business? Years back stopping there for cider was always the high point of a drive through the mountains. Sounds like you guys have some nice riding to look forward to. Dennis in Maine.

I have no respect or even the slightest bit of humor for a rider like that. I could care less if he ends up splattered all over a bridge abutment but I'd be REALLY pissed if hurt someone else.

Hey Pete, I'm not sure what their ultimate hull speed would have been but here is a comment on the fastest clippership's performance and some background on one of the fastest, the Red Jacket, which was built right here in my area. (From the internet). The extreme clipper ship Red Jacket was designed by Samuel H. Pook and built by George Thomas at Rocklane, Maine. She was launched November 2, 1853 and towed to New York to receive spars and rigging. The maiden voyage of the Red Jacket is one of the most famous in clipper ship annals. Captain Asa Eldridge, a Cape Cod skipper of world wide reputation, was in command and she left New York on January 11, 1854, bound for Liverpool. Through the fearsome winter gales of the North Atlantic with snow, hail or rain every day, the Red Jacket tore along carrying every bit of canvas she could wear. Exactly 13 days, 1 hour and 25 minutes later she dropped her hook in Liverpool Harbor, an all time record smashing run. During this voyage she logged 413 sea miles in 24 hours, thereby becoming one of the seven fastest sailing ships in history. The other six that logged over 400 miles in 24 hours were: Flying Cloud, Great Republic, Donald McKay, Lightning, James Baines, and Sovereign of the Seas. There are some that dispute the exact times of the Atlantic crossing mentioned above and whether or not Red Jacket should be credited with the record but there is no argument that she was one of the fastest. A 400 mile day equals a little over 16mph average speed. My dad was in the Danish Merchant Marine and often sailed your waters before the war. I've several photos he took of old clipper ships in southern ports just before WWII. Very interesting indeed. Dennis in Maine.

Checker is the name of an auto parts supply chain if I remember correctly. I used the infamous Wallyworld filter myself and found a wrench that fits it perfectly hanging on a hook next to the filters. Excellent fit. Good luck! Dennis.

Ya got me Ben. Of course, for all to enjoy.

So here we go ratch, a couple shots from atop Cadillac Mountain just above Bar Harbor, Maine. November 10, 2006. Bahaba itself. Gazing eastward. Cold and windy on top. Lots of slow markers, er, traffic below. Splendid day for a ride.

Oh boy, nostolgia time for both of us. I just spent about an hour on Google maps checking out the old homestead in Jamul and trying to find the old camping areas in Ocotillo Wells and over by Superstition Mountain north of Plaster City. I didn't realize how much things have changed in 30 years. Right in around Ocotillo Wells was a big sand hill called Blow Sand. We used to take the dirt bikes up there at night and run the hill in the lights of the dune buggies (if you were lucky) as they went up. Why I am still alive and more or less able to walk I'll never know. Blow Sand was a challenge with knobbies but the 'ol paddle tire made it a breeze. So I see you've spent a little time in this neck of the woods. Bahaba (spelling is a regional thing ) is normally avoided at all costs but this time of the year it will be all but deserted. For all practical purposes it is winter here now and these few warm days are a treat. Sure didn't mean to sidetrack the thread Greg, kinda got carried away. Thanks Ratch!

Sorry Ratch, the leaves are all gone for this year. We'll no doubt stick to the coast, maybe shoot up to Bar Harbor. (Temps will be at least 10 degrees colder near Baxter.) Wish I was headed for Palomar or over the mountains to Ocotillo Wells. Ah, the good old days............... There is a group riding down to NH on Saturday for an open house at an Italian type shop. Might do that one too. Looks like there will be some nice days next week as well. One of the worst Nor'easters I've seen in over 25 years here came on November 22nd. I have ridden all 12 months of the year on occasion but it doesn't happen often. I surely won't take the V11 out until, as you supposed, the end of April or so. Gotta get the XL250 I picked up running to do the winter tricks. Shoulda snapped a picture of the filter frame before I put it back. I'll do that next time.

I've just finished doing my first oil change on the new to me '01 v11 and I'm really happy to have gotten a heads up on the filters. I've been reading everything I can find here on filters and oil and all of the stuff needed to accomodate the change. Gotta love this group. Figured I'd drop the pan 1st time out just to see what was lurking inside. Everything looked fine as far as I could see. No big bits or chunks in the base. I put the strap wrench on the filter and all but pulled the bike over before it finally came free. Can't imagine that *astard ever backing off on its own. Prefilled the new filter, lubed the gasket and spun it back on. I tightened it more than I'd ever tightened a filter before, about 1-1/4 turns after initial contact, and installed Greg's suggested hose clamp safety. Just for grins I thought I'd spin out the oil filter cover from the pan but couldn't get it to budge. I'm guessing someone used locktite or another sealer on the threads and it will take some heat to set it free. Doesn't really matter since I'm using the hose clamp on the filter. After cleaning the pan I went to put the filter screen back in and noticed the plastic frame that holds the screen is all warped out of shape to the point where it doesn't fully seat in its groove. I shoved it in as far as I could and called it good. Anyone else notice that before? I'll order a new one (wishful thinking?) and replace it next time around. Tomorrow is a bonus day ride for us here in Maine, warm and dry. Can't wait.

OMG, don't let the little woman see this!

SEEM, the key word of your observation........... I know the feeling. Still hoping for a few more nice days before winter closes in here on the coast of Maine. There have been years when I've gotten in short rides in all 12 months but isn't often. I think all of these Guzzis kinda grow on you. I've always been drawn to the V11 but not so with the Griso at first. I've come around lately and now rather like it although I still think I'd change the exhaust can. I'm even having fun looking at some of the hotrod Jackels online. Never thought I'd go for something like that but who knows? Anyway, the Griso belongs right up at the top of the Looks list too. Congrats on the new machine Gary. Here's to many happy KMs........ Dennis in Maine.

Ouch! that musta hurt............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMQgt5YiD0w Long, but gets interesting about 3 minutes in.

Gosh, pretty much ruined my evening.

What a cheap-assed thing to do. Scary thing is, they will sell a bunch of them!

Beam me up Scotty!

I've been on several rides this summer that included two different couples on ST-3s. Both of the lady passengers were perfectly happy and comfortable. Seems like a great combination of sport and practical two-up ability.